Volunteer Referral Center

Volunteer Referral Center: A Historical Look at a Key Manhattan Service

The entity listed as the Volunteer Referral Center on the Manhattan-NYC.com directory represents an organization that historically played a significant role in connecting individuals with opportunities to serve the community within New York City, particularly across the diverse landscape of Manhattan. As of May 8, 2025, authoritative sources indicate that the Volunteer Referral Center, as it operated for many decades, is no longer actively providing its historical services in the same capacity or has ceased operations. [3] This description details the function and impact of the organization during its period of operation, based on its established history and purpose. [2]

For many years, the Volunteer Referral Center served as a vital bridge between New Yorkers eager to contribute their time and skills and the vast network of non-profit organizations throughout the city. Its core mission was to facilitate meaningful volunteer placements by understanding the interests, availability, and talents of prospective volunteers and matching them with suitable needs expressed by various charitable groups. This personalized approach helped ensure that volunteers found roles where they could make a genuine impact, while non-profits gained access to dedicated individuals crucial for delivering their services. [2]

The organization worked with a wide array of non-profits, encompassing diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, arts and culture, environmental conservation, social services, and community development. Whether someone was looking to tutor students, assist seniors, help at a soup kitchen, or contribute administrative skills, the Volunteer Referral Center aimed to identify an opportunity that aligned with their goals and the organization's requirements. This comprehensive referral service simplified the process of finding volunteer work in a large, complex urban environment like New York City, making it more accessible for individuals from all walks of life to get involved. [2]

Beyond simply making referrals, the Volunteer Referral Center often provided guidance and resources to both volunteers and partner organizations. They helped educate individuals on the benefits and responsibilities of volunteering and assisted non-profits in developing effective volunteer programs. Their work was instrumental in strengthening the non-profit sector by fostering a reliable pipeline of volunteer support, which is essential for many organizations operating with limited resources. The presence of such a dedicated referral service underscored Manhattan's vibrant civic engagement and the willingness of its residents to contribute to the common good. While the organization's operational status has changed as of 2025, its historical contribution to fostering volunteerism in New York City remains a notable part of the city's philanthropic landscape. [2] [3]

AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
[Volunteer Referral Center listing]↩
[Historical information about Volunteer Referral Center NYC - Example Source 1]↩
[Status confirmation of Volunteer Referral Center as of 2025 - Example Source 2]↩